People With The Most Carefree Personality Type Share 12 Specific Traits
They are the gentle caretakers of the Myers-Briggs types.
BraunS / iStock via Canva Once in a while, you’ll meet someone who just radiates amazing vibes, even though they don’t say much.
They are the ones who tend to be the kindest people out there and typically are seen as natural parents. They’re relaxed, carefree, and have a quietly artistic vibe to them.
Out of all the 16 personality types in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, the ISFP personality type includes some of the most mellow people out there. But what does it mean to be an ISFP?
ISFP Meaning
ISFP stands for Introversion, Sensing, Feeling, and Perception — the four traits and personality patterns that make these quiet people so amazingly fun to be with.
They are the quiet friend everyone needs, and often remain some of the best spouses you can get, too. ISFPs prefer action rather than words when it comes to life.
People with this personality type are action-oriented, prefer to live in the present moment, and are flexible and spontaneous. But ISFPs have a strong need to break free from rules.
They also put a great deal of emphasis on helping others in their goals to find happiness, but don't expect recognition or reward for their supportive nature. Because they are private individuals, personal space and alone time are essential to them.
Just like all Myers-Briggs personality types, the ISFP individual has their own set of strengths and weaknesses.
Positive & Negative ISFP Personality Traits
1. Empathetic
If nothing else, ISFPs are incredibly empathetic people who have little problem putting themselves in other peoples’ shoes. They are soft, gentle folks who often will be sympathetic to others, even when the sympathy is not necessarily deserved.
2. Free-spirited
In many ways, ISFPs are the perfect example of a hippie personality type. They are kind, gentle people who are known for having open minds, open hearts and free spirits.
Even if they’re quiet, their strong aesthetic of mellow and loving vibes are hard to miss. ISFPs live a very "good vibes only" life.
3. Open-minded
ISFPs are not control freaks by any means of the word. Rather, this Myers-Briggs type loves the idea of letting each person live life the way they want to. They’re chill like that.
4. Relaxed
Though it isn’t totally impossible, it’s exceedingly rare that you’ll see ISFPs have panic attacks or get easily stressed out. They are notoriously relaxed people who typically only get stressed under extreme circumstances or if someone around them is stressed.
If they see a stressed person, ISFPs tend to do what they can to make them relax.
5. Quiet
Though they always find a way to make a statement, ISFPs are typically very quiet. But quiet doesn’t mean that they don’t have anything to say; it means they prefer spending time chilling out.
6. Artistic
Few personalities in the Myers-Briggs types are as adept at being creative as ISFPs. That’s why a lot of ISFPs make a living in arts like graphic design, painting, pottery, and video editing.
7. Ambivert
ISFPs place a high value on people but also get drained by being around them for too long. They love having friends, but can’t handle too much time out and need their personal space.
As a result, people of the ISFP personality type have a tendency to love people as long as they are at a distance.
8. Shy
ISFPs have introverted tendencies, yes, but they also have a slight tendency to have a shy streak about them. If you blush around your crush, have a hard time figuring out what to say around them, and fumble over your words, you might be a shyer ISFP.
9. Confused
ISFPs are the physical embodiment of the phrase, “Still waters run deep.” They often have floods of thoughts and emotions that can be confusing, upsetting, or downright strange.
As a result, they tend to struggle a great deal with themselves when it comes to making decisions based on whether they should listen to the words and feelings that go through their minds every moment. All this struggle never seems to really show on the surface, though, so most would never guess it.
10. Distracted
Attention spans are not something that ISFPs are known for having. They tend to be easily distracted and might even have been written up in school for being unwilling to pay attention.
11. Sensitive
ISFPs do not take well to criticism, nor do they fare any better when it comes to people threatening their values.
One of the ISFP characteristics that is seriously underrated is how sensitive these souls are. ISFPs tend to need a lot of encouragement — and if they’re criticized, it cuts them like a knife.
12. Easily Influenced
For ISFPs, their environment matters way more than they want to admit. A place that’s too noisy, too quiet, or even just doesn’t have the right kind of people will immediately throw them off.
As a result, the environment tends to be one of the key things ISFPs should look for when they are trying to seek out jobs.
ISFP Compatibility & Relationships
ISFPs usually find themselves in relationships for no reason, often with toxic people, wondering how they got there.
More often than not, it’s their idealistic nature and desire to give others a chance that gets them there. That’s why ISFPs are often called the “hopeless romantics” of the Myers-Briggs world.
ISFPs are passionate and experience emotions on a very deep level, especially when they are with the right partner. When it comes to falling in love, it's often fast and intensive.
ISFPs are usually considered very shy and private people. But their sexual interactions are sensual and confident, which is something many don't expect from them, making it a wonderful surprise for their partners, whether it's a fling or a long-term relationship.
Who should an ISFP marry?
The best matches for ISFPs include the ESFP, ISTP, and ISFJ personalities; however, ISFP's natural partner is someone of the ESFJ personality type.
This is because they are opposites, with one being introverted and the other extroverted. But they are similar in how they perceive the world through feeling and sensing.
Best Career For ISFP Personality
This Myers-Briggs personality type wants to feel personally engaged with their work, typically enjoy hands-on activities, and are satisfied with tangible results. ISFP's ideal job will let them see their hard work and feel significant to them.
Some perfect careers include jobs in fashion/interior design, education, or managerial positions. Ideal careers include chef, preschool teacher, massage therapists, or office manager.
Tips For Relating To An ISFP Personality Type
1. Don't make them the center of attention.
ISFPs are quiet and private by nature and, as such, don't want all of the attention to be on them. When getting to know an ISFP, don't pressure them to be in the spotlight. Instead, applaud them behind closed doors; they appreciate this much more than grandstanding.
2. Keep them entertained.
People with the ISFP personality are constantly looking for the next adventure! They may be quiet, but that doesn't mean they want to sit around all day doing nothing. Bored easily, take your ISFP friend or acquaintance out on the town, letting them be as active and spontaneous as possible.
3. Stroke their creativity.
This personality type is incredibly artistic and often expresses themselves through different creative outlets. Give the ISFP in your life a chance to express this creativity in any means they see fit, and you'll have a good friend for life.
Famous People With ISFP Personalities
- Prince
- Britney Spears
- Jessica Alba
- Michael Jackson
- Bob Dylan
- Rihanna
- Ryan Gosling
- Mel Brooks
- Lady Gaga
- Paris Hilton
Is ISFP a rare personality?
The ISFP personality is actually not that rare at all. Compared to the rarest personality types (INFJ, INTP and ENTJ), ISFPs are one of the most common Myers-Briggs personality types, making up about 9% of the general population.
Ossiana Tepfenhart is a writer based out of Red Bank, New Jersey whose work has been featured in Yahoo, BRIDES, Your Daily Dish, Newtheory Magazine, and others. Follow her on Twitter for more.